Golf: Humbled Aussie Day, inspired by NFL's Brady, back at Masters

AUGUSTA -- Former world number one Jason Day, humbled by poor results but inspired by age-defying NFL star Tom Brady, finds charging up the rankings more enjoyable the second time around.

The 35-year-old Australian, nagged by chronic back pain, missed the Masters last year for the first time since 2010, the year before sharing second in his Masters debut.

Now with a rebuilt swing and gritty determination, Day has five top-10 finishes in his past six PGA starts and after sinking to 175th in the world rankings has jumped back to 35th.

"To be back here this year is very special," Day said. "I didn't watch much (last year) out of the sheer disappointment that I wasn't able to compete. It hurt my confidence a lot, so I've been trying to work my way back."

Day, whose only major title came at the 2015 PGA Championship, has won 12 PGA events, most recently in 2018 at Quail Hollow. He recalls his heady days atop the rankings after his major triumph.

"You feel invincible, like it's never going to leave and you're going to be on top of the world for a long time," Day said. "All of a sudden you get injured and that mountain can be very jagged if you fall down it."

Day's mother, Dening, died last year of lung cancer, adding to his struggles.

"It has been an unbelievable learning experience, a very humbling experience," Day said. "To be able to go through this and try and reinvent yourself is unique and I've enjoyed that thoroughly."

Day also took motivation from Brady, who retired earlier this year at age 45 after winning a record seventh Super Bowl title in the 2020 season with Tampa Bay.

"For him to be at that young age of 45 and be competitive in the NFL, it's remarkable, a true testament to his ability," Day said. "And then the mental ability he has.

"For the longest time I said I'll get to 40 and think about retiring. I feel like I can play to 50 now, which is great, and would be nice to get another 15 years out of my career and see what this second half of my career could unfold."

Day hopes another major, and maybe another stint atop the rankings, aren't out of the question.

"I'm more excited by the journey and trying to get back there," Day said.

"When I got to number one, I thought I would feel a little bit different and didn't really change too much. It was sacrifice everything. It came from a very hard place. Forget about how your body feels, just kind of force it in there.

"This time around, I'm learning more about what I need to do to keep myself healthy... I'm enjoying the journey and I'm learning each and every day, and I've actually got a lot of love and passion for it."

Agence France-Presse

Golf: Johnson charges to four-shot lead after Masters third round

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Dustin Johnson had one arm in the Green Jacket after charging to a four-shot lead with a near-perfect seven-under-par 65 in the third round at the Masters on Saturday.

Johnson matched Jordan Spieth's record low Masters total for the first 54 holes -- 16-under-par 200 -- while South Korean Im Sung-jae (68), Mexican Abraham Ancer (69) and Australian Cameron Smith (69) were equal second on 12-under.

"I've got a lot of control of what I'm doing, I'm very comfortable standing over the ball right now and that's a good feeling," said a typically-understated Johnson, who grew up just across the state border in Columbia, South Carolina.

Ten players were within one stroke starting the third round, but Johnson was a class apart, in control of every facet of his game as he broke clear with a tap-in eagle at the par-five second after almost holing a five-iron.

He never looked back and did not really miss a green until the final hole, where for the first time all afternoon he was forced to call upon his deft short game to save par.

Only two players have surrendered a bigger 54-hole lead at the Masters -- Greg Norman (six shots) in 1996 and Ed Sneed (five shots) in 1979.

Rory McIlroy (2011) and Ken Venturi (1956) could not close the deal with four-stroke cushions.

For all his talent, world number one Johnson has only one major title to his credit, the 2016 U.S. Open, a disappointing haul for a player with all the physical attributes necessary for greatness.

A joint runner-up to Tiger Woods here last year, and a perennial major contender, he will take nothing for granted on Sunday, but the final major of an unusual 2020 season is his to win or lose.

"If I can play like I did today I think it will break that streak (of close calls)," he said.

"I’ve got a good game plan, I’m not going to change it. As we all know here, if you get it going you can shoot some low scores.

"I'm going to need to play a really good round if I want to win tomorrow."

SUPREME CONTROL

Seemingly fully recovered from a recent bout of the novel coronavirus, Johnson displayed mastery of his trusty power fade off the tee and was in supreme distance control with his irons, a trusty putter the cherry on the cake.

His performance eliminated the chances of many, including Tiger Woods, who started the round four behind but took 12 holes to record his first birdie.

A 72 that left the 15-times major champion 11 strokes adrift, a sixth Masters title a bridge too far.

World number two Jon Rahm was another who had no answer to Johnson's brilliance.

The Spaniard shared the halfway lead with Johnson, Thomas, Ancer and Smith, but came unglued at the par-five eighth.

He ran up a double-bogey after his third shot struck a tree and ricocheted into an unplayable lie in a bush.

Though Rahm fought back for a respectable 72, he trailed Johnson by seven shots.

Earlier on Saturday, Rahm was among 48 players who resumed the second round at 7.30 am as the tournament played catch-up after Thursday's long break for bad weather.

What started out with a morning chill in the air gave way to bright sunshine and pleasant November warmth in this unique spectator-free event being played for the first time in autumn.

"I grew up right down the road so this one would be very special to me," said Johnson. 

(Reporting by Andrew Both, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Ken Ferris)

-reuters-

Golf: Augusta National postpones the Masters due to coronavirus

This year's Masters tournament, the season's first major golf championship, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced Friday.

"Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters tournament," Ridley said in a statement.

The outbreak, which has prompted a virtual shutdown of American sport, also forced Ridley to postpone the Augusta National Women's Amateur and youth Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

"Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision," Ridley said.

"We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters tournament and our amateur events at some later date."

Augusta National typically closes soon after hosting the world's top players, reopening later each year, so the possibility remains that it could be rescheduled later in the year, potentially in the autumn after the 2019-20 US PGA season is complete given the schedule already booked through August.

The US PGA Tour has canceled this week's Players Championship and every other tune-up event for the original Masters date, leaving its next event currently on the calendar as the Heritage tournament, set to start on April 16. 

The next major championship on the schedule is now the PGA Championship on May 14-17 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, an area having been especially hard hit by coronavirus cases already.

"Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread coronavirus COVID-19 have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances," Ridley said.

"We will continue to work with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the City of Augusta and all other local authorities."

Ridley asked for patience from Masters patrons.

"We will share any additional information as soon as it becomes available," he said. "As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we seek your understanding of this decision and know you share our concern given these trying times."

The Masters has been played every year since 1945, when the British Open was the only men's golf major contested.

The event, which began in 1934, was halted from 1943-1945 due to World War II.

'A wise decision' 

Jack Nicklaus, whose record 18 major titles include six Masters green jackets, backed Ridley's decision.

"I don't think anybody wants to go to Augusta and get sick," Nicklaus said. "People come to the Masters from all over the world and the chances of somebody bringing something there are great.

"I think they made a wise decision and I support it."

Nicklaus, 80, serves as an honorary Masters starter each year. He said it would have been "strange" to stage the event without spectators.

He also doubted the Masters would be played this year even at a later date.

"I can't see any way they would play it at a later date. It wouldn't be fair to any other tournament," Nicklaus said. "I think we're going to miss the Masters this year."

Nicklaus continues with plans to host his US PGA Memorial tournament two weeks before June's US Open but understands much remains uncertain.

"Who knows what it's going to be a month or six weeks from now? I'm hoping this thing dies down as the warm weather comes on and we can resume," Nicklaus said.

"We don't know. For us to be smart, I think we need to take a step back. We don't need to panic. We need to do the things we're supposed to do and not spread it."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

He's back!

Tiger Woods celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the 2019 Masters in Augusta, Georgia, U.S.A. on Sunday. The win marks an epic comeback to golf's grand stage after an 11-year drought huddled by injuries, personal problems and a divorce. 

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Golf: Molinari and Woods renew majors battle for Green Jacket

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Francesco Molinari surged two shots clear at the top of the Masters leaderboard on Saturday to set up another final round showdown with Tiger Woods for a major title.

It has been an almost flawless Masters for Molinari, who has carded just a single bogey through three rounds. The Italian turned in another error-free effort in Saturday's third round, signing for a six-under 66 to top the leaderboard at 13-under.

Molinari, the first Italian to win a major with his victory at last year's British Open, will start in pole position to claim a Green Jacket to go along with his Claret Jug.

Joining him in the last group will be Woods, who also paired with the Italian in the final round at Carnoustie, after the American electrified the massive galleries with a five-under 67, his best score at Augusta National since 2011 when he shot rounds of 66 and 67.

"He (Woods) obviously loves this place and he's playing great golf," said Molinari. "So I'm aware that it's not going to be easy tomorrow, I can just do my best.

"But it's not like I can only worry about him. There's a lot of guys I think in with a chance."

Woods and Molinari will be accompanied in the final round by Tony Finau, who matched Woods's 11-under total with a dazzling eight-under 64 that featured a Masters record-equalling front nine of six-under 30.

Lurking one shot further back is twice U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, who scrapped his way to a three-under 69 to trail Molinari by three.

With the forecast calling for heavy rain and thunderstorms late on Sunday officials have decided to send golfers off in threesomes from both the first and 10th tees rather than traditional pairs in an attempt to get the final round completed and avoid a Monday finish to the year's first major.


TRUMP ON TIGER

With Woods chasing his first major title since the 2008 U.S. Open, and first Green Jacket since claiming his fourth in 2005, 'Tiger-mania' is again reaching fever pitch.

Even United States President Donald Trump, who has golfed with Woods at his Mar-a-Lago resort, said on Twitter he was looking forward to Sunday's final round. "Great playing by @TigerWoods (at the) @TheMasters. Tomorrow will be a big and exciting day for golf and for sports. Many fantastic players in the hunt. Ratings Gold - Good luck to all!," tweeted Trump.

Woods was in contention on the final day at the last two majors but was unable to get over the line. He led on the back nine of the British Open before being overtaken by Molinari and finished runner-up at last year's PGA Championship.

"It's been a while since I've been in contention here," said Woods. "But then again the last two majors counts for something.

"I've been in the mix with a chance to win major championships in the last two years and so that helps."

While Finau is playing in just his second Masters the 29-year-old has displayed plenty of guts to go along with some superb form at Augusta National.

Famed for dislocating his ankle celebrating a hole-in-one at last year's par-3 contest, Finau will now be remembered for matching the Masters record for the lowest front nine.

He joins five others -- Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, K.J. Choi, Gary Woodland and Phil Mickelson -- who have all carded 30 over the first nine holes.

"As a kid, I always wanted to compete against him (Woods)", said Finau, who popped his ankle back in and bravely came back to finish 10th at last year's Masters. "I've dreamed of playing in the final group with him in a major championship."

With no wind and a layout softened by days of rain, the early starters attacked the pins and the Augusta record books with gusto, taking full advantage of the ideal scoring conditions on what is known as Moving Day.

The Masters course record seemed under constant threat with Finau, Webb Simpson and Patrick Cantlay all carding 64s, one shy of the mark owned by Greg Norman and Nick Price.

The three 64s were nonetheless the most in the same round at any Masters. 

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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Golf: Roars return as Tiger takes the Masters spotlight

Major winners Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen, Brooks Koepka, Jason Day and Adam Scott shared top spot at the Masters on Friday at the end of the second round, but it was Tiger Woods who commanded the spotlight once again at Augusta National.

Woods brought the roars back to the famed venue with a brilliant four-under-par 68, putting himself on track for a fifth Green Jacket. At six-under-par 138, the American is just one shot off the leaders heading into 'moving day.'

After an ordinary outward nine featuring three birdies offset by a pair of bogeys, Woods embarked on one of his trademark charges, carding three birdies after the turn to shoot up the leaderboard.

"I feel like I played my own way back into the tournament," said Woods. "I was just very patient today, felt very good to be out there doing what I was doing.

"This is now three straight majors that I've been in the mix and so it's good stuff."

The stage is now set for an extraordinary weekend as Woods attempts to slip into his first Green Jacket since 2005 and claim his first major since 2008.

Woods has made huge strides since returning from back fusion surgery nearly two years ago, collecting his 80th career PGA Tour title at last season's ending Tour Championships.

However, nothing less than a 15th major victory will quell talk of an unfulfilled comeback.

It would also reignite his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus's record haul of 18 majors.

On Friday, it was like old times as the 43-year-old turned up the buzz with each shot, the roars echoing across Augusta National when Woods rolled in a long birdie putt at 15 and continued until he walked off the 18th where his birdie putt clung to the lip leaving him a tap-in par.

The Woods show overshadowed everything else.

Any other time, a hobbled Day might have been the story after getting up off the deck to shoot five-under 67.

Barely able to walk after throwing out his back bending over to kiss his daughter on the practice range on Thursday, the battling Australian somehow turned in a near flawless scorecard, with six birdies and a single bogey.

"Pain is a funny thing, it goes up and down, and everybody's pain threshold is different," said Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner.

"Someone that is in a lot of pain might feel something totally different compared to me, so it's hard.

"Every day I feel like I wake up with some sort of aches, you know, and I think you just kind of learn to live with it and you just go along the way."

Italian Molinari carded an error-free 67 for his best round in eight Masters that put the British Open champion in contention for a Green Jacket to go along with the Claret Jug he hoisted last year.

Koepka, who had shared a one-shot overnight lead, also deserved applause, staging a back nine recovery after a stumbling start to the second round. 

After a flawless opening round, Koepka had two bogeys and a double in his first six holes on Friday but the twice U.S. Open champion was able to regain his composure, steadying himself with six straight pars from the ninth.

He followed that with birdies at 15 and 18 to salvage a 71 and join the leaders at seven-under 137.

It also looked like old times for Australian Scott, the 2013 champion, who moved up the leaderboard with a four-under 68.

British Open winner Oosthuizen also joined the party with a 68, while world number two Dustin Johnson returned a two-under 70 to join Woods at six-under.

There was drama up and down the leaderboard.

Patrick Reed kept his Green Jacket defense alive, making the cut with a two-under 70, but Spain's Sergio Garcia, the 2017 champion, made an early exit for the second straight year after returning a 73.

World number one Justin Rose also headed for the exit after he bogeyed the final two holes to miss the cut by one shot. 

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Golf: Tiger Woods turns back the clock with a 70 in Masters first round

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Tiger Woods missed a couple of short putts early in the first round before charging up the leaderboard at the Masters on Thursday, at times reminding everyone of his former glories.

Fourteen years since his last Masters triumph, 14 times major winner Woods birdied the 13th and 14th holes to tie for the lead at Augusta National.

Yet a couple of poor drives down the stretch, along with a judgement error, left the four-times Masters champion to card a slightly disappointing two-under-par 70.

He was one stroke off the clubhouse lead, held by Australian Adam Scott, Spaniard Jon Rahm and South African Justin Harding.

"Played well today, hit a lot of good shots," Woods said.

"If I missed, I missed in the correct spot. I had simpler up-and-downs because of that.

"I missed a few (putts) for sure, misread a couple and hit a bad one at six. Other than that it was a good solid day."

After a two-putt birdie at the par-five 13th, Woods picked up another shot at the 14th with a typically Tigeresque effort.

He threaded his 150-yard approach shot through the Augusta pines and then sank a sharply-breaking 25-foot putt, giving an understated little fist pump as the patrons roared their approval.

When he drove down the middle at the par-five 15th, leaving less than 200 yards to the pin, it seemed likely Woods would take the outright lead.

Yet one poorly-judged shot pricked his balloon.

"Get down, down, down," he barked at his ball while it was in the air, before adding "oh my god" when he saw it overshoot the green.

The ball landed on a downslope and bounded 40 yards beyond the hole, leaving a devilishly difficult pitch shot.

The 43-year-old struck a heavy wedge shot which never had a chance of making it up the slope, prompting a wry smile.

He hit the next one close and saved par.

Later, Woods carved his drive into the trees at the par-four 17th, and though he found a nice gap for his second shot, he came up short of the green and bogeyed the hole.

Earlier, Woods missed a five-foot putt at the fifth and an even shorter one at the next. He also missed a great birdie chance at the par-five eighth.

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Golf: Excitement builds for Masters as McIlroy eyes Career Slam

AUGUSTA -- Newcomers, past winners and a host of green jacket hopefuls made final preparations Sunday at Augusta National on the eve of official practice rounds for the 83rd Masters.

The year's first major championship begins Thursday at the famed course under the Georgia pines with Rory McIlroy making his 11th Augusta National start and fifth attempt to complete a Career Grand Slam by winning the Masters.

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland star, a four-time major champion, has finished between fourth and 10th in each of the past five years at the Masters, sharing fifth last year, and is a Las Vegas oddsmakers pick to win this time.

If he dons the green jacket next Sunday, McIlroy would become only the sixth player to have won each of the major titles at least once in his career, joining legends Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

"It would be a massive achievement. It would be huge," McIlroy said during his run-up to Augusta. "But I can't think about it that way."

Among those driving down Magnolia Lane to Augusta National's clubhouse early was 22-year-old Aaron Wise, a South African-born American who won last year's PGA Byron Nelson title to claim his first Masters berth.

"Right now I'm just soaking it all in," Wise said. "We can all remember the great moments and great shots just from having watched on TV."

Wise, whose family moved to the United States when he was three, was last year's US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. He missed the cut in three prior major starts as he and 16 other newcomers prepare for their Masters debuts.

"Coming to Augusta I feel good. I love the place," said two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. "I'm thankful just to be here."

Watson was on hand for the start and finish of the Augusta National Women's Amateur on Saturday and was among presenters in Sunday's Drive, Chip and Putt Championship for youth.

"The buzz is unbelievable," said Australia's Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion. "It gets me excited for next week."

The biggest excitement is coming for defending champion Patrick Reed, who is now based out of the Champions Locker Room.

"This year, having all the extra activities, extra things going on, it's going to be a lot of fun," Reed said. "I honestly can't wait.

"To come back and experience what it's like to be on the first tee as defending champion is going to be an awesome experience. Just can't wait to cherish all the moments."

- Ribeye steak for champs -

Anticipation is building outside the course as well.

Signs are already posted saying "Golf Tickets Needed" in hotels and on the sides of the road with people looking for a deal on one of the toughest tickets in sport.

Along Washington Road, the highway golfers take to reach Magnolia Lane, several restaurants have their party tents assembled and ready for the visitors from around the world to arrive.

The most exclusive meal of the week will be Tuesday's Champions Dinner, where Reed serves the menu he has dreamed about having since he was a teenager -- ribeye steak, macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach and creamed corn.

"I'm definitely going to fatten everyone up," Reed said.

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Golf: Conners seals Masters berth with Texas win

SAN ANTONIO -- Canada's Corey Conners delivered a roller coaster final round to win his first professional title at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday and book a fairytale berth at next week's Masters at Augusta.

The 27-year-old from Ontario only made it into the San Antonio tournament after battling through qualifying last Monday, where he won a six-way playoff to claim the final slot in the field.

But the unheralded Canadian completed a remarkable week at TPC San Antonio's AT&T Oaks Course by firing a six-under-par 66 to finish two shots clear of Charley Hoffman, with a 20-under-par total of 268.

With Sunday's final round delayed by nearly two hours after heavy rain deluged the course, Conners quickly moved to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies in his opening five holes to eclipse overnight leader Kim Si-woo who struggled to get going.

But Conners' smooth start unravelled with a run of four consecutive bogeys on the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth holes as he reached the turn at level par for the day.

That protracted wobble opened the door to veterans Hoffman and Ryan Moore, who were both mounting final day charges to storm up the leaderboard.

Conners responded brilliantly after the turn however, reeling off three birdies on the 10th, 11th and 12th holes before moving one shot clear of the field at the 14th with his eighth birdie of the day.

Conners then rolled in a pressure-filled 10-foot par putt to preserve his lead on the 15th heading to the final three holes.

A superb 7-iron to six feet set up a birdie on the short par-three 16th and after Hoffman could only send his own birdie attempt rolling wide, Conners was suddenly two shots clear with two to play.

It got better on the par-four 17th, with Conners curling a 12-foot birdie putt to take him three clear heading to the 18th. 

With that commanding lead, Conners was never going to be denied and played the last conservatively to bag a comfortable par.

The victory will have a transformative effect on Conners' season, securing his PGA Tour card while gaining entry to several prestige event in addition to next week's Masters.

Hoffman meanwhile will also head to the Masters in good spirits after posting an impressive five-under-par 67 in the final round.

Moore meanwhile played flawlessly to card a closing eight-under-par 64, comprised of an eagle, six birdies and 11 pars.

Overnight leader Kim's challenge faltered with a shaky front nine that included a double-bogey and a bogey to leave him two over at the turn after leading for the first three days. Kim finally carded a level-par 72, to leave himself five off the lead in a tie for fourth with Brian Stuard.

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Reed edges Fowler, Spieth to capture Masters thriller

AUGUSTA -- Fending off epic challenges from three top rivals in a dramatic Masters final round, Patrick Reed captured his first major title Sunday, grinding out a one-shot victory at Augusta National.

The 27-year-old US Ryder Cup firebrand showed the same grit he displays in match-play battles, dispatching Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy in an emotional battle that had spectators roaring.

"Today was probably the hardest mentally a round of golf can possibly be," Reed said. "I knew it was going to be a dogfight."

Reed, whose breakthrough came in his 17th major start, fired a 1-under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 15-under 273, one stroke ahead of Fowler with Spieth third on 275 and Spain's Jon Rahm fourth on 276.

"Having to shoot under par in the final round to win my first major, it was awesome," Reed said. "It was really satisfying."

In addition to the iconic winner's green jacket, Reed pocketed $1.98 million from an $11 million purse.

Reigning British Open champion Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion and twice a runner-up, matched the low final-round in Augusta National history with a 64, a closing bogey thwarting his bid for the biggest comeback to win in Masters history.

"I started nine back," Spieth said. "I wanted to shoot a low round and see if something crazy happens."

Fowler, still seeking his first major win, birdied six of the last 11 holes. He sank a 7-foot birdie putt on 18 to pull within one and keep Reed under pressure to the 72nd hole.

"We gave our all out there and made P-Reed earn it," Fowler said. "I was happy to make that last putt."

Needing a two-putt par from 25 feet at 18 to win, Reed gently tapped the first putt and saw it race four feet past the cup. He sank the comeback effort and pumped his fist in celebration.

"To have to two-putt the last hole to win my first major, it definitely felt right," Reed said. "I was glad to end the drought."

Reed's last-pair partner McIlroy kept near on the front nine, chasing his dream of a Masters win to complete a career Grand Slam, but managed only one birdie in the last 14 holes.

"I just didn't quite have it," the Northern Ireland star said. "When I did have opportunities I didn't take advantage of them.

"Tough day. But I'll be back."

Reed said his ability to three times answer bogeys with birdies quickly was pivotal.

"It was huge, especially with Rickie and Rory," Reed said. "I knew if Jordan made some birdies, he was far enough ahead he'd run out of holes and I'd have more opportunities."

Reed, who had never cracked 70 in 12 Masters rounds before this week, became the fourth straight first-time Masters winner and the ninth first-time winner in the past 10 majors.

Reed's approach at the par-5 13th clung to a bank above Rae's Creek, his title bid nestled with it, but he escaped with par to stay deadlocked with Spieth for the lead at 14-under.

Reed sank an eight-foot birdie putt at the par-4 14th to regain a one-stroke lead and parred to the clubhouse to win.

Spieth clipped a tree branch off the 18th tee and needed three to reach the green, where he missed an 8-foot par putt that would have seen him match the 18-hole course record.

Spieth was only the seventh player to shoot 64 in the last round, the first since Bo Van Pelt in 2012.

- Hoffman aces 16, DJ No. 1 -

American Charley Hoffman aced the par-3 16th with a 6-iron, the 20th time the hole has surrendered a hole-in-one.

And his playing partner, compatriot Tony Finau, birdied six consecutive holes from the 12th to 17th but missed a 10-footer at 18 that would have tied the Masters record birdie streak.

World number one Dustin Johnson fired a 69 to share 10th on 281 and retain his rankings lead. Spieth, Rahm or Justin Thomas could have overtaken him by winning.

- Tiger roars late -

Tiger Woods, playing his first major event since 2015 in a comeback from nagging back pain and spinal fusion surgery, fired a 69, his week's low round.

"It was possibly the highest score I could have shot today," Woods said. "All in all it was a bittersweet ending."

The 14-time major champion sank a 29-foot eagle putt at the par-5 15th and birdied 17 but a closing bogey denied his goal of level par overall.

Woods, a four-time Masters champion, failed to deliver on promise showed in two top-5 tuneup finishes but said he was glad to be back.

"I really missed it," Woods said. "I made too many mistakes. But overall it was a lot of fun. It felt great to be able to compete again."

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Reed moves three clear at Masters as McIlroy lurks

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Patrick Reed used a pair of back-nine eagles to fight off a spirited charge from Rory McIlroy on Saturday and open up a three-shot cushion going into the final round of the U.S. Masters, where he will try to capture his first major title.

Reed, who began the day with a two-shot lead, took full advantage of a damp Augusta National layout with a five-under 67 that left him on 14-under for the week and staring down a leaderboard filled with some of the biggest names in golf.

The former Augusta State University standout has never before held the 54-hole lead in a major championship but remains adamant that he is not about to change anything at this point.

"Mentally, I'm just treating it like any other golf tournament, any other round," Reed told reporters. "Just go out and do what I know how to do, which is hit the ball somewhat straight, knock it on the green and let the putter work."

A five-times winner on the PGA Tour, Reed has dominated the par-fives -- 13-under for the week -- but kicked it up a notch late in the round with eagles at the 13th and 15th holes, the latter when he chipped in from 27 yards.

The 27-year-old American, competing in his fifth Masters, had never broken 70 at Augusta National prior to this week but has been nearly untouchable and his three-round total is only four shots off the tournament's record-winning score.

Northern Irishman McIlroy sits alone in second place after he capped his seven-under 65 with a 17-foot birdie putt and will have his best shot yet at trying to complete his collection of golf's four major titles.

McIlroy had already made three birdies before a chip-in eagle at the eighth and then scrambled to save par after his ball found the azaleas behind the 13th green. He added two more birdies, including his emphatic putt on the final green.

McIlroy, who threw away a four-shot lead in the final round at Augusta in 2011 when he was still chasing a maiden major, has since captured wins at each of golf's three other blue riband events and is closer than ever to completing his collection.

RYDER CUP REUNION

"I feel like all aspects of my game are in really good shape, and I'm much more relaxed," McIlroy said.

"This isn't my first time in this position now. I've been able to close the deal a few times before this, and I have that to fall back on tomorrow."

The four-times major winner will play alongside Reed in the final round where the two will renew their duel from the 2016 Ryder Cup where they traded birdies in a scintillating stretch of oneupmanship that was soon deemed a classic.

Rickie Fowler, considered one of the world's best players without a major title to his name, equalled McIlroy for the low round of the week with a seven-under 65 that left him alone in third place, five back of Reed.

Spaniard Jon Rahm (65) eagled the par-five eighth during a flawless round that also included five birdies to sit alone in fourth place, six shots off the lead, and one shot clear of Swede Henrik Stenson (70).

Sitting a further shot back were twice winner Bubba Watson (68), England's Tommy Fleetwood (66) and Australian Marc Leishman (73).

Tiger Woods, who began the day 13 shots behind Reed, failed to mount any sort of charge. The American opened with two bogeys en route to an even-par 72 that ended any slim hopes he may have had of slipping on the Green Jacket for a fifth time on Sunday.

The former world number one came into the week as one of the favourites after showing solid form this year in his comeback from injury but failed to conjure up any of the old magic he once seemed to produce on command at Augusta National.

"It's been scratchy this week. I just haven't gotten it done," Woods lamented. "I feel like I'm driving it better than I have all year, but I am not capitalising on it. And when I did miss, I missed in the wrong spots."

(Editing by John O'Brien)

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Woods poised to hog spotlight in Masters opening round

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Tiger Woods was paired with Australian Marc Leishman and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood on Tuesday for the opening round of the U.S. Masters, the year's first major.

While Fleetwood and Leishman have been thrust into the spotlight and will be followed by massive galleries on Thursday, they will be the invisible men alongside Woods who will make his first start in three years at Augusta National.

Woods is back in Green Jacket contention after a string of injuries and surgeries and, with a 10:42 tee time, the Augusta marshals will be put to the test with huge crowds lining the first hole to catch a glimpse of the four-time Masters champion.

The buzz is unlikely to affect his playing partners, though, with Leishman having played in the final pairing with winner and compatriot Adam Scott at the 2013 Masters while Fleetwood was in contention at last year's U.S. Open, finishing tied for fourth.

While Leishman was excited about the prospect of sharing the stage with Woods, his six-year-old son Harvey was not nearly as impressed.

"My son’s only just learnt about him (Woods)," explained Leishman. "'How many trophies has he won daddy?' 79. 'How many have you won?' 3. 'Oh, OK.'

"Anytime you get a pairing like that I guess it’s a compliment. It’s the biggest stage.

"Yeah, I’m excited about it."

Following Woods' group out will be a threesome featuring reigning champion Sergio Garcia, another hot favourite in American world number two Justin Thomas, winner of the last major, the PGA Championship, and amateur Doc Redman.

Twice Masters champion Bubba Watson, who arrives in Augusta in top form after winning the WGC Match Play Championship, is part of a marquee group of major champions that includes Swede Henrik Stenson, the 2016 British Open champion, and Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner.

Among the late starters is a high profile trio featuring 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott of Australia, four time major winner Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and big-hitting Spaniard Jon Rahm.

Phil Mickelson, winner of five majors, including three Green Jackets, will be partnered with two players looking to make a major breakthrough in fellow Americans Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar.

Two players among the last group of the day could make an impact on the leaderboard, with Briton Justin Rose, runner-up for the Green Jacket twice in the last three years, and American world number one Dustin Johnson, eager to claim another major. 

(Additional reporting by Andrew Both. Editing by Ken Ferris and Toby Davis)

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All eyes on Tiger at Masters practice as tension builds

AUGUSTA -- Tiger Woods excited fans and rivals alike by practicing Monday at the Masters, the 14-time major champion totally healthy at Augusta National for the first time in five years.

Woods, and the potential for his first major victory since the 2008 US Open and first Masters win since 2005, was the talk of the course, even with a dozen other stars on peak form ahead of Thursday's start of the year's first major championship.

"When Tiger walked onto the range there was an anticipation and excitement from the crowd to watch him compete again," said Britain's Justin Rose, last year's Masters runner-up and the 2013 US Open champion.

Woods hasn't won a title since 2013 but after failed comebacks and four back surgeries, the last a spinal fusion, he's a contender again at age 42.

"I got a second chance on life," Woods said on his website. "I am a walking miracle."

Woods shared second at the PGA Valspar Championship and fifth at Bay Hill in his Masters tuneups.

"This year is going to be different," Woods said. "This year I'm healthy. I can play and I can compete."

Former world number one Woods, now ranked 103, practiced with Fred Couples and 2017 PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas as fans flocked to watch every shot for a hint of the magic that brought him Masters titles in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005.

"When it comes to Tiger and the Tigermania that comes with it, that everyone wants to see him win and play the way he did before," said Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner. "Everyone's kind of champing at the bit for him to get here and see how he's moving and everything."

Thomas, Rose and top-ranked Dustin Johnson plus multiple major winners Rory McIlroy -- seeking a career Grand Slam with a win -- and Jordan Spieth all enter the Masters playing well. But the biggest roars are for Woods.

"There's a number of guys that are playing really nice," Day said. "But everyone is kind of solely focused on Tiger and what he's going to do here and seeing if he can get to number 15.

"That's fine with us. I can just focus on what I need to do to try and win.

"There's going to be a buzz around Augusta this week with Tiger being on the grounds and it's going to be exciting to see, but everyone else has got a game plan to do. They've got to try and be the person that's going to slip on that green jacket on Sunday."


- Forgotten Tiger feats? -

Day said the 10-year major drought had people forgetting what Woods has done, his major title total four shy of the all-time record of Jack Nicklaus and his 79 PGA wins three off Sam Snead's record.

"I think a lot of people quickly forgot what he had accomplished in his career as he got injured and was out for a while," Day said. "That's just life. Everyone lives fast now. Everyone wants instant gratification.

"Now that he's back and he looks kind of where he was before, everyone's getting that taste back in there, like, oh, let's see what he can do."

Woods and Spieth are Las Vegas oddsmaker favorites with McIlroy, Thomas and Johnson just behind followed by Rose, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson.

"We're all favorites," two-time Masters winner Watson said. "We're all good enough to win out here."

- Tiger 'going to threaten' -

But Woods has wily veterans admiring how he is hitting the ball further off the tee despite spinal fusion.

"He's going to threaten," three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo said. "He has the potential. His game is amazing. I think he's ahead of schedule.

"How he has found five more mph in clubhead speed in his 40s after a fused back is unbelievable."

Two-time winner Bernhard Langer noted that Woods's return was just one of the week's great storylines.

"You've got great champions at all ages and they all seem to have a possible chance," the 60-year-old German said. "That's fantastic leading up to the tournament."

Sergio Garcia, who won his first major title after 73 failed attempts at last year's Masters, will try to join Woods, Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as the only back-to-back Masters winners.


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McIlroy to slash Masters two-homes 'production'

DUBAI -- Rory McIlroy said Wednesday that he will take a new approach to winning the Masters for the first time by slashing his Augusta support team which has ballooned to almost 20 people in recent years.

The four-time major champion needs to win the Green Jacket at Augusta National to complete a career grand slam, having already won the British Open, US Open and the PGA Championship. The Masters starts April 5-8.

Speaking on the eve of the $3 million Dubai Desert Classic, the 28-year-old Northern Irishman said: "One of the things I am planning to do is have less of an entourage around me at Augusta and treat it as any other tournament.

"In previous years, I’ve had seven people staying at my house and rented another house for 10 others. It becomes a production. Some people won’t be happy with me, but hey, I don’t mind if I win the Masters."

McIlroy said he will not get distracted by his attempts to break his Masters duck.

  
"I think I’ve got seven events from now until the Masters, so I’m sort of taking it week-by-week at this point. Once April starts, or the first time I go up there and play a couple of practice rounds, I’ll start to think about Augusta," he added.

“Right now it’s just about getting myself in a nice bit of form and playing tournaments and playing well. Come March time, I’ll turn my attention to it and start to focus on maybe shots that I need or different clubs I might need in my bag or whatever it is.

"Right now my focus is on the Dubai Desert Classic and trying to win here for the third time."

McIlroy said his expectations were higher in Dubai after playing well down the road in Abu Dhabi where he finished tied for third on his comeback last week.

“Obviously, really happy with how everything went last week. If anything, I could have driven it a little straighter on the last day and given myself some more shots from the fairways to attack some pins, but really happy with how everything went and looking forward to getting back out there this week,” said McIlroy, who shot 18-under par last week.

“I have a lot of good memories here at the Majlis course. My first win, and I have been playing here since 2007 as an amateur.

“Abu Dhabi was above expectations for me to be honest.

"I thought if I could have shot four rounds under par and just saw some good, positive signs in my game, I would have went away happy. I guess that has changed the way I view this week a little bit. I know that my game is in good enough shape to contend and try to win.”

World number nine Sergio Garcia is the defending champion and he is coming off a win last week at the Singapore Open.

Another winner from last week in the field is England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who successfully defended his title in Abu Dhabi.

Also playing in Dubai are world number 10 Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who won the tournament in 2007, and world number 17 Pat Perez of the US, who has already won once and finished in top-five twice in six PGA Tour starts this season.

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Garcia no favorite for U.S. Open, despite Masters win

Sergio Garcia's victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday was received with delight throughout the golf world, but it seems unlikely to lead to a subsequent flood of major titles for the Spaniard.

That is not to say 37-year-old Garcia will fail to add to his first major win, but the best players are too evenly matched in the post-Tiger Woods era to realistically expect him to suddenly run up his major tally in his late 30s.

The top 20 or so players are all eminently capable of winning when in top form. Woods may have been capable of winning with his "B" game, but no-one else is, not even current number one Dustin Johnson.

Since Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth combined to win four consecutive majors at the end of 2014 and start of 2015, seven players have shared the spoils in the past seven majors, much as it used to be before Woods.

  
Garcia and Masters runner-up Justin Rose were ranked 11th and 14th respectively in the world last week, but it was hardly a surprise they ended up separating themselves from the field, especially in the absence of Johnson, who pulled out at the last minute with a back injury.

A little luck is often required to win, and if Rose’s seven-foot birdie putt at the 72nd hole had toppled in instead of grazing the cup, the Englishman probably would be celebrating getting halfway to the career grand slam, after winning the 2013 U.S. Open.

Indeed, Garcia’s victory hardly elevated him to the top echelon of favourites in betting for the next major, the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin in June.

Betting website Centrebet on Monday had Dustin Johnson a 7/1 favourite, followed at 8/1 by McIlroy and Jason Day, with Jordan Spieth at 9/1.

Garcia was 33/1, similar to his pre-Masters odds.

But he will not care as he celebrates an occasion that he thought might never come. He was not the only one.

Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley struggled to retain his composure during the live television commentary on Sky Sports.

“It was kind of difficult,” McGinley said on Golf Channel on Monday. “To be honest I had a big lump in my throat.

“I was so happy for him I can’t tell you how happy. I’ve been through so much with him. I felt his pain (after previous near-misses). He’s an emotional person. I know how much it hurts him.”

It seemed as though most of the gallery at Augusta felt the same way, as the Garcia who made a rude hand gesture to a spectator who heckled him at the 2002 U.S. Open was transformed into an almost beloved figure who seemed to feed off the crowd’s affection.

"Sergio often feels like he's not supported the way he would like to be here in America," said the vanquished Rose.

"It was encouraging to see the crowd get behind him. I think they realised that he paid his dues, he's been close so many times and they probably were pulling for him to pull through on this occasion."

McGinley, meanwhile, admitted that he was starting to wonder whether Garcia would ever close the deal.

“I think his career deserved a major and we were all worried his career wasn’t going to end with one,” the Irishman said.

“And to see it be done on such a grand stage, in such an impressive way, anyone who knows Sergio would have felt the same.”

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Larry Fine)

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Golf: Garcia finally proves his majors mettle with Masters triumph

AUGUSTA, Georgia -- Sergio Garcia had long been his harshest critic, once saying he was not good enough to win a major, but on Sunday he buried decades of heartbreak and meltdowns by clinching a stirring win at the U.S. Masters.

The Spaniard stamped himself as one of the game's greats in remarkable fashion by overcoming some final round, back-nine adversity to claim his maiden major title in a playoff with friend and European Ryder Cup team mate Justin Rose.

"It's been such a long time coming," said Garcia, who missed a five-foot putt for the win at the end of regulation before rolling in a 12-foot birdie to claim victory on the first extra hole. "I felt today the calmest I ever felt on a major Sunday.

"Even after making a couple bogeys I was still very positive and I still believed. I am so happy."


Positive, happy and calm were not attributes one would normally have used to describe the 37-year-old Garcia on the golf course prior to this week.

Throughout his career, Garcia struggled to live up to lofty expectations laid upon his 19-year-old shoulders when he turned professional in 1999.

Considered by many to likely become the primary rival of Tiger Woods, Garcia developed a reputation for struggling in the biggest moments.

One of the most heartbreaking disappointments came in 2007 when his eight-foot par putt to win the British Open spun out of the cup and left him bent over in disbelief.

And while Garcia possessed the talent to put himself in the mix at golf's premier events -- as his 22 top-10 finishes coming into this week attests -- his mental toughness was questioned.

After falling out of contention in the third round of the 2012 Masters, Garcia famously delivered a brutal self assessment in which he said did not have what it takes to win a major.

"I don't have the thing I need to have," Garcia said at the time. "I've come to the conclusion that I need to play for second or third place ... in any major."

But the eve of this year's first major, Garcia received an inspirational message from compatriot and boyhood idol Jose Maria Olazabal, a twice Masters winner, saying he believed in him, stay calm and do not get rattled like in the past.

Garcia clearly took those words to heart, most notably in the final round when on several occasions it looked like the wheels were about to fall off and another major title was about to slip through his grasp.

He stood at the sixth tee with a three-shot edge over Rose but three holes later was tied atop the leaderboard after the Englishman made three consecutive birdies.

After bogeys at 10 and 11, Garcia's tee shot at the par-five 13th landed under an azalea bush and was unplayable, forcing him to take a drop and possibly end his title bid.

But Garcia scrambled for a tournament-saving par and then made birdie at 14 and eagle at the par-five 15th after nearly holing out from the fairway to set up an epic finish.

"I knew I needed to make that putt to stay in it," Garcia said of his par-save at 13. "That putt really kind of got me even more confident and then I was able to make two great holes."

When he missed his putt at 18 it was hard not to recall the missed putt in 2007 at Carnoustie, where Garcia ultimately lost in a playoff.

But not this year. Not for a revived Garcia who said he had come to terms with the fact that a major title might never come.

"Because of where my head was at, sometimes I did think about whether I am ever going to win one. I've had so many good chances and either I lost them or someone has done something extraordinary to beat me," said Garcia.

"So it did cross my mind but lately I have been getting some good help and I've been thinking a little different, a little bit more positive and kind of accepting that if for whatever reason it didn't happen, my life is still going to go on.

"But it's happened," Garcia added with a laugh.

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Golf: Jason Day makes Masters cut, but just barely

Jason Day has proven to be one of those players who seem predestined to wear the Green Jacket one day.

It appears he has to wait for that moment a little while longer.

The Australian world No. 3, whose career is closely followed by many Filipinos because of his parental roots in Leyte, couldn't get his game going in Day 2 of the Masters on Friday, finishing with 5 bogeys and a double bogey for a 76, and barely hanging on for a spot in the weekend rounds.

After 2 rounds, Day is at 6-over 150, tied for 45th place with 8 others.

He is 10 shots off the lowest score, held currently by 4 people -- Americans Charley Hoffman and Rickie Fowler, Thomas Pieters of Belgium and Sergio Garcia, the Spaniard who is the sentimental favorite to win the title.

According to Golf Channel, Day came into Augusta National aware that he wouldn't be at 100%.

In the lead-up to the Masters, Day spent time taking care of his mother Dening, who is battling lung cancer.

 Garcia, winless in 73 major starts, joined Fowler, Hoffman and Pieters in the biggest 36-hole Masters leader logjam since 1973.

A second day of high winds left the top pack -- all seeking a first major win -- level on 4-under par 140 through two rounds.

"It was going to be try and hang on and make sure you didn't play yourself out of the tournament with scoring conditions coming this weekend," Fowler said.

A host of big names -- including second-ranked Rory McIlroy, reigning Olympic champion Justin Rose and past Masters winners Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth -- lurk within five strokes, setting up a mouth-watering weekend showdown in calmer conditions.

"I'm excited about the challenges that this weekend is going to bring, and hopefully I'll step up to them and I'll be able to be up there on Sunday with a solid chance at winning," Garcia said.

Not since a storm-struck Masters 44 years ago ended in a Monday finish had so many people shared the midway lead.

Garcia, who hopes to end his major drought Sunday on what would have been the 60th birthday of the late icon Seve Ballesteros, opened with three birdies and played even from there to stake his claim to the top.

"These first two rounds are probably the best I've ever played at Augusta," Garcia said. "I feel like I played great. I made a lot of great putts.

(With a report from Agence France-Presse)

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Golf: Jason Day fires a 74 in Masters opening round

Jason Day finished the opening round of the Masters with a 2-over 74 on Thursday, a score he shared with 14 others.

The Australian golfer, whose mother hails from Leyte, fell into some problems early, finishing No. 3 and No. 11 with a bogey and double bogey respectively.

The world No. 3 recovered a bit with birdies on Nos. 15 and 16, but stumbled again on the 17th with another bogey.

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and 2-time champion Bubba Watson of the US also ended up with a 74.

Day, whose best finish at Augusta National was a tie for 2nd in 2011, was 9 shots behind Charley Hoffman, who shot a 65.

The unheralded Hoffman took a four-shot lead after high winds punished the world's top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured.

Hoffman, 40, posted a 7-under in conditions described by one former Masters winner as "borderline" unplayable.

He snatched the lead over 2nd-placed fellow American William McGirt on a day of high drama that saw world No. 1 Johnson pull out following a freak accident.

Hoffman's 4-stroke lead is the largest at the Masters after 18 holes since 1955, when Jack Burke led by the same margin over Julius Boros.

In the difficult conditions, Hoffman said he set out to shoot for par but "got a little bit lucky."

"For lack of any better words, it was a dream," he said.

England's Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 attempts, was in 3rd place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course.

Johnson agonized for 24 hours before pulling out after a serious fall on the eve of the tournament left him in pain from a lower back injury.

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Day draws major comfort from fellow Australian's win

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Having once again come agonisingly close to landing a first major crown, Jason Day took some solace as he watched fellow Australian Adam Scott seal a maiden win at the highest level on Sunday.

The two compatriots had duelled for the Masters title with Angel Cabrera for most of the final round at a rain-soaked Augusta National but it was Scott who emerged triumphant after he edged out the burly Argentine in a playoff.

Day, joint runner-up with Scott at the 2011 Masters on his debut at the year's opening major, had briefly moved two strokes clear of the field in Sunday's final round but his challenge effectively ended with bogeys at the 16th and 17th.

"It's unfortunate, but I'm very happy with how things are going right now with Adam," Day told reporters before Scott became the first ever Australian to slip into the coveted green jacket.

"I'm really pulling for Scotty, I know that he's come so close so many times in majors and he really does deserve it. He's worked very, very hard and he's had a great career. I'm really praying that he pulls through."

Day's prayers were answered as Scott ended half a century of Australian Masters misery when he sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole to deny Cabrera a third major title.

Yet it was richly talented Day who had initially seemed the most likely player to end Australia's lengthy title drought at Augusta National when he made a sensational birdie-eagle start to the final round.

He holed a slick 20-footer at the par-four first before holing out from a greenside bunker to eagle the par-five second, loud roars from the fans echoing through the Georgian pines as he moved briefly into the outright lead.

REIGNITED DAY

Though Day was overtaken by Cabrera, the Australian reignited after the turn - a run of three consecutive birdies from the par-five 13th putting him two shots ahead at nine under.

As the rain intensified, Day succumbed to the mounting pressure, overhitting the green from the tee to bogey the par-three 16th, then dropping another shot at the 17th where he bunkered his approach.

"On 16, unfortunately I hit it too far left and I had a quick bogey there," said the 25-year-old Queenslander, whose only PGA Tour win came at the 2010 Byron Nelson Championship.

"And then on 17 I only had to go an extra foot to two feet and it would have been over that bunker. I think it would have kicked up to about 15, 20 feet at least.

"It's a little disappointing, but there's a lot of experience that I can take into next year. It was just a few little mental errors here and there, but overall I'm very, very happy about the way I played."

Day, who was greeted by his wife Ellie after he completed his round before cradling his young son Dash in his arms, has long described the Masters as his favourite event.

"I love this tournament," he smiled. "It's obviously an honour to come this week and play against the best players in the world, have a shot at winning my first major and being the first Australian to win the Masters.

"Hopefully I can wear one of those green jackets soon." (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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Woods left to reflect on Masters misfortune

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Tiger Woods was left to reflect on his bad luck after finishing tied for fourth at the Masters on Sunday.

The world number one shot a final round 70 to finish at five-under, four strokes behind the eventual winner, Australia's Adam Scott, but things might have been different had it not been for a wretched break in his second round.

His approach shot at the par-five 15th was so good that it struck the flagstick, but rather than drop nearby it ricocheted backwards off the green and into Rae's Creek.

Instead of putting for a birdie, Woods was forced to replay the shot and made a bogey. Then the following day he was slapped with a two-stroke penalty for an illegal drop.

He could have been disqualified but officials used their discretion to let him play and a potential birdie hole was turned into a triple-bogey.

Although he came close in the end, Woods never really recovered from his misfortune but refused to blame that one hole for the result.

"We could do that what if-in every tournament we lose," Woods said.

"We lose more tournaments than we win out here on tour, so that's just part of the process and I'll go back to it."

For Woods, there is little consolation in finishing fourth. He measures his success by the number of majors he wins. His lifelong ambition to is break Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 but he has been stranded on 14 since 2008.

Despite coming up short again, Woods said there were still plenty of positives he could take away.

He has already won three PGA Tour titles this year and is starting to look like his old self.

The bookmakers installed him as the favorite to win the Masters and crowds at Augusta National still adore him, cramming the fairways and greens to see him in action and erupting in wild excitement whenever he conjured up some of his old magic.

"I certainly had a chance. If I would have posted a number today, I was right there," he said. "I was four back starting out the day and I thought I really played well this week. I made my share of putts as well.

"I played this week the way I've been playing all year, and that's a good sign."

(Editing by Frank Pingue)

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